Sweet And Sour Chicken Meatballs Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to the delightful combination of pineapple and soy sauce. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate ground chicken into a mouthwatering meal that’s both comforting and Instagram-worthy!

I enjoy making delectable dishes, and my Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. They have ingredients like tender ground chicken, zesty apple cider vinegar, and juicy pineapple chunks, so they’re packed with protein and vibrant taste.

For me, they’re the very definition of a wholesome and tasty dinner!

Ingredients

Chicken that has been ground: a protein source that is lean; has low fat.

Breadcrumbs: Contribute texture; furnish carbohydrates.

Garlic: Abundant in antioxidants; boosts taste.

Soy sauce: Adds umami; has sodium.

Apple cider vinegar: Delivers tang; beneficial for digestive health.

Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and serves as a carbohydrate source.

Ketchup: Contains lycopene; sweet and tangy.

Chunks of pineapple: They lend natural sweetness and provide a large dose of vitamin C.

Pepper bell: High in vitamin C; contributes crunch.

Green onions: Impart a fresh taste; are a source of vitamins A and C.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. In a roomy bowl, mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well-blended, and then roll into 1-inch balls.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, include the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped bell pepper until somewhat tender, nearly 3 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup; whisk until smooth.

5. The sauce mixture should be poured into the skillet with the bell peppers. It should be stirred well and allowed to come to a simmer over medium heat.

6. In a different small bowl, combine water and cornstarch, using a tablespoon of water. Stir until smooth, then introduce the slurry to the simmering sauce. Pour it in steadily, then put a bit of muscle into the stirring until the sauce thickens and is nice and glossy.

7. Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the sauce by adding them to the skillet and stirring.

8. Put the meatballs back in the skillet, and stir them gently into the sauce. Let them and the sauce get nicely hot in about 3 minutes.

9. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions.

10. Serve the sour and sweet chicken meatballs hot; you can complement them with rice to make a fully-rounded meal. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cups
4. Large skillet
5. Mixing spoon or spatula
6. Whisk
7. Small bowls (2)
8. Tongs or fork
9. Knife
10. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat?A: Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with either ground turkey or ground pork for a flavor twist.
• Q: What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?A: Crushed crackers, oats, or panko can be used to substitute for breadcrumbs.
• Q: Is there a gluten-free option?A: In order to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw and cook.
• Q: How long can I store the leftovers?The key to leftovers is storage. To ensure that even the most delicate leftovers maintain their integrity for the better part of 3 days, follow these simple steps to containerize your food.

  1. Store the food in an airtight container.
  2. Keep it in the refrigerator.
  3. Consume it within 3 days.

• Q: Can the pineapple be replaced with a different fruit?A: Yes, you can use mango or peaches for a different twist on the flavor.
• Q: What is the serving size for this recipe?This recipe accommodates roughly 4 diners, contingent upon how generously the individual components are doled out.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute ground turkey for a similar flavor and texture when using ground chicken.
Cracker and panko crumbs give a different texture to breadcrumbings.
Apple cider vinegar: Swap it out with rice vinegar for a milder flavor profile.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
Substitute chopped zucchini or snap peas for another vegetable option in place of the bell pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Char for Depth To get a slightly smoky flavor, consider broiling the meatballs for a few minutes after cooking them in the skillet. This will add a nice caramelized touch to the exterior.

2. Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple If you have fresh pineapple on hand, use it instead of canned. Fresh pineapple will provide a more vibrant and tangy flavor that enhances the dish.

3. Balancing Sweetness If you find the sauce too sweet, add a splash of lime juice or a few dashes of rice vinegar. This will add brightness and help balance the flavors.

4. Boost the Umami Consider adding a teaspoon of fish sauce or a few drops of sesame oil to the sauce mixture for an extra layer of umami depth.

5. Texture Variety Add some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts as a garnish. This will introduce a pleasing texture contrast and a nutty flavor to the dish.